Raisin Products

The California raisin industry offers a variety of products that are ideal for industrial users. Natural Seedless raisins represent approximately 95% of the raisins produced in California. The majority of the Natural Seedless grapes are naturally sun-dried to make California Natural Seedless Raisins. The remaining are mechanically dried and processed to make California Golden and California Dipped Seedless Raisins. In addition to these three products made from Natural Seedless grapes, Sultana, Fiesta, Flame Seedless, Ruby Seedless, Monukka, Muscat, and Black Corinth grapes are also sun-dried and are available as Sultana, Fiesta, Flame, Ruby, Monukka and Muscat Raisins and as Zante Currants, respectively. Some Natural Seedless raisins are further-processed into Raisin Paste and Raisin Juice Concentrate.

California Raisins

California Raisins are dried grapes of the Vitis vinifera Natural Seedless variety. They are prepared from clean, sound, dried grapes that have been properly stemmed and capstemmed, then sorted, cleaned and thoroughly washed to assure a wholesome product.

Characteristics

Availability and Storage

California Raisins are shipped in poly-lined boxes. They are available in bulk packages of 30 lbs (13.6 kg) and other size cartons. This is ideal for purchase of full container load of approximately 17 metric tons per 20-foot ocean container, where 1,250 to 1, 800 cases are loaded, depending on the carton size. California Raisins are available in a variety of snack and consumer size packs, too.

California Raisins keep best when stored in the original packaging at a temperature below 45°F (7.5°C) and a relative humidity of 45 to 55%. Once the package is opened, care should be exercised to close it tightly and/or provide air-tight protection against drying.

Composition

The California raisin industry offers a variety of products that are ideal for industrial users. Natural Seedless raisins represent approximately 95% of the raisins produced in California. The majority of the Natural Seedless grapes are naturally sun-dried to make California Natural Seedless Raisins. The remaining are mechanically dried and processed to make California Golden and California Dipped Seedless Raisins. In addition to these three products made from Natural Seedless grapes, Sultana, Fiesta, Flame Seedless, Ruby Seedless, Monukka, Muscat, and Black Corinth grapes are also sun-dried and are available as Sultana, Fiesta, Flame, Ruby, Monukka and Muscat Raisins and as Zante Currants, respectively. Some Natural Seedless raisins are further-processed into Raisin Paste and Raisin Juice Concentrate.

California Raisins

California Raisins are dried grapes of the Vitis vinifera Natural Seedless variety. They are prepared from clean, sound, dried grapes that have been properly stemmed and capstemmed, then sorted, cleaned and thoroughly washed to assure a wholesome product.

Characteristics

Availability and Storage

California Raisins are shipped in poly-lined boxes. They are available in bulk packages of 30 lbs (13.6 kg) and other size cartons. This is ideal for purchase of full container load of approximately 17 metric tons per 20-foot ocean container, where 1,250 to 1, 800 cases are loaded, depending on the carton size. California Raisins are available in a variety of snack and consumer size packs, too.

California Raisins keep best when stored in the original packaging at a temperature below 45°F (7.5°C) and a relative humidity of 45 to 55%. Once the package is opened, care should be exercised to close it tightly and/or provide air-tight protection against drying.

Composition

Raisin Juice Concentrate

From part of the crop, the processors make raisin juice and raisin paste. Raisin juice is a pure extract of raisins. Throughout several processing stages, raisins are leached with water to produce raisin juice. The liquid then is evaporated in a vacuum pan to produce a self-preserving concentrate. Raisin juice concentrate contains a minimum of 70 percent natural fruit soluble solids. It’s added to a variety of foods, including dairy, confectionery and bakery items. Raisin juice extends the shelf life of bread products; it is a natural substitute for preservatives; and it sweetens and colors natural baked goods. For confectionery items, raisin juice acts as a sugar substitute and a filling for hard candies and molded chocolates. In crisp cookies and crackers, raisin juice helps control breakage. With chewy or soft cakes and cookies, the raisin juice can help maintain moisture. It also is a natural binding agent in cereal bars. Raisin juice serves as a natural syrup for yogurts and ice cream.

Characteristics

Availability and Storage

Raisin juice concentrate is available in 18.9 liter pails (5 gallons), 208 liter drums (55 gallons) and tank cars.
18.9 liter pail:
Net weight: 26.5 kg (59 lbs)
Gross shipping weight: 28 kg (62 lbs)

Because of its low pH, high sugar and soluble solids content, raisin juice concentrate is self-preserving. It is recommended that it be stored at temperatures between 15_ and 21_C (60_ to 70_F). Although, extended storage may affect its color and flavor, this change is slow.

Composition

Nutrients / 100g; g=gram; mg=milligram; ug=micrograms; Kcal=kilocalorie; IU = International Unit.